Even better than Kevin de Bruyne, shock Arsenal star is actually the best chance-creator in the Premier League

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Arsenal will be hoping that the momentum from their extraordinary win over Manchester City can help inspire a miraculous comeback against Newcastle United.

Arsenal will need to overturn a two goal deficit in order to reach their first Carabao Cup final since 2018 following goals from Alexander Isak and Antony Gordon in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle could be without influential midfielder Joelinton for the tie whilst Arsenal are still without Bukayo Saka and Ben White due to lengthy injuries.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping for more magic on the night from young stars Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly but it may be another midfielder that could hold they key to any success.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals four players could replace Kai Havertz in the Arsenal team after striker transfer failure

Declan Rice has created the most big chances in the Premier League in 2025

Declan Rice has been in sensational form for Arsenal in recent weeks, contributing two assists and a goal in his last four games. Danny Murphy has heaped praise on Rice for his ability to press high up the pitch.

The England midfielder has been playing in a more advanced ‘number eight’ role and has started to show his worth in an attacking sense alongside his incredible defensive work rate.

With some huge names on the list such as Kevin De Bruyne, Rice has created the most big chances in the Premier League so far in 2025, highlighting his influence further up the pitch.

Rice contributed to Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly breaking a Premier League record by assisting both of the youngsters in the win over City and Arsenal will be hoping the former West Ham man can continue to create against Newcastle.

Rice should play deeper role against Newcastle to allow Ethan Nwaneri to start

Despite his recent success in the more advanced role, Rice could be used in a deeper role to allow Nwaneri to play from the start.

Rice could form a midfield trio with Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard according to the Arsenal predicted XI as Arteta chases a fast start to get back in the tie.

That midfield three would give the Gunners a blend of defensive mobility and creativity as they look to provide for the likes of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard to find the back of the net.

It will be a hostile atmosphere at St James’s Park but an early goal from Arteta’s side could cause a nervousness around the ground that the Gunners will then have to exploit.